Braylon Edwards and the Cleveland Browns: How Did It Come to This?

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

I want to like Braylon Edwards. I really do. And actually, I do like him most of the time.

But during the 2008 season of the Cleveland Browns, I saw a Braylon that I was not proud of. One that had a strong negative effect on his team and his relationship with Browns fans.

Because of this, I am torn.

You see, trade rumors involving Edwards have been swirling. 

Eric Mangini has made it known that he has no interest in malcontents. His dealing of Kellen Winslow to Tampa made that point very clear.

Edwards seems to be the next logical choice to go, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about that.

You see, Browns fans were upset last season. The team that had shown great promise the previous year became a huge disappointment. When these things happen, coaches, players, fans...we all look for someone to blame.

Enter Braylon Edwards.

During his first two seasons in Cleveland, the much-hyped receiver showed flashes of his ability. He also showed questionable maturity.

In one memorable 2006 incident that found its way onto ESPN, Edwards was shown yelling at then-Browns’ quarterback Charlie Frye and grabbing him by the shoulder. Edwards had to be restrained by teammates and coaches.

But in 2007, he had a breakout season. He caught 80 balls for a team record 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns on his way to his first Pro Bowl. More importantly, he lit up the highlight reels with spectacular catches and endeared himself to the faithful.

One of my personal favorites was a recurring play where Edwards ran an outside curl route. Quarterback Derek Anderson would put the ball high over Edwards’ outside shoulder, with the defender sitting on his inside shoulder. Edwards was so tall and could leap so high, the cornerback didn’t stand a chance. The play was unstoppable.

Another play that captivated Browns fans came against the Baltimore Ravens. Edwards appeared to fly past three-time Pro Bowler Chris McAlister on his way to a 78-yard touchdown.

But it wasn’t just the touchdown that connected with Browns fans. 

In his post-game interview, Edwards mentioned that he had noticed something about McAlister on film that he thought they could exploit. The idea of the superstar wide receiver studying film (combined with the image of the spectacular play) rang true to the hard-working blue collar fans of Cleveland.

He also talked a lot about how he had worked very hard in the offseason to get better. He wanted to be the best in the game. His play backed up those comments.

Edwards was the toast of the town. Sure, he dropped too many balls and committed the occasional “mental lapse” penalty, but he was young and he more than made up for those mistakes with all his positive plays and hard work.

Then came the 2008 preseason. 

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